Police arming Newcastle residents with radar guns

NEWCASTLE, Wash. - Residents in Newcastle who complain that drivers are speeding through their neighborhoods will now be able to prove it. Newcastle police are arming residents with radar guns. Read more

‘If I had a nickel for every bag,’ sez Mayor Bloomberg

Mayor Bloomberg wants to nickel and dime you at the grocery store - taxing you an extra 5 cents for every plastic bag you take home.

The controversial charge could raise at least $16 million for the cash-strapped city while keeping tons of plastic out of landfills, city officials said Thursday - but some outraged shoppers aren’t buying it.

“Bloomberg is a piece of work,” Clemelda Gipson, 39, said outside a D’Agostino grocery store in Chelsea. “Food is expensive and now we have to pay for the bags, too? They should try to come up with ideas and solutions and not just more taxes.” Read more

Obama: Spike energy costs to make people go ‘green’

JOHNSTON, Iowa – In a recently publicized video from the Democratic primaries, Sen. Barack Obama said the government should drive energy bills up though “price signals” in order to force Americans into more environmentally friendly choices. Read more

NY council extends term limit so Bloomberg can run

Mayor Michael Bloomberg won the right to seek re-election as New York’s City Council voted on Thursday to extend the two-term limit for elected officials as the city grapples with the global financial crisis. Read more

Sweets Banned as Treats in Neenah Schools

Students in Neenah can no longer bring cupcakes or candy to school to share as a treat.

The Neenah School District has outlawed students from bringing those things and other sweets to give to classmates.

The district says kids have to bring fruit, vegetables and other healthy snacks.

Vicki Denzin is a parent living in Neenah. She wonders how excited kids would be if someone had to pass carrot sticks or bananas to their friends.

Diane Galow is a principal at an Tullar Elementary School. She says it’s not about sugary sweets, but about the fact kids can give out something on their birthday or another day.

WTMJ |  Jay Sorgi | Monday, October 13, 2008

Ford feature will let parents set speed, sound limits for teens

DETROIT - Starting next year, Ford Motor will roll out a feature on many 2010 models that can limit teen drivers to 80 mph, using a computer chip in the key. Read more

Utah first in nation to pull “alco-pops” from stores, gas stations

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah’s supply of flavored malt beverages will likely be exhausted in a few weeks as manufacturers decide whether to comply with labeling rules intended to make it clear the products contain alcohol. Read more

Bloomberg to upend term limits laws to keep himself in office for 3rd term

After months of speculation about his political future, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg plans to announce on Thursday morning that he will seek a third term as mayor, according to three people who have been told of his plans.

The extraordinary move promises to upend New York City’s political world. Read more

Meat must be rationed to four portions a week, says report on climate change

People will have to be rationed to four modest portions of meat and one litre of milk a week if the world is to avoid run-away climate change, a major new report warns.

The report, by the Food Climate Research Network, based at the University of Surrey, also says total food consumption should be reduced, especially “low nutritional value” treats such as alcohol, sweets and chocolates. Read more

Salt Is Next on City’s Hit List

Health Tsar Appears to Have Chosen His Next Public Enemy

New York City’s health tsar, who has already waged war against tobacco, trans fats, and calories, appears to have chosen his next public enemy: salt. Read more

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